The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Munirat Abdulazeez, a former Court of Appeal staff, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Bwari on charges of job racketeering.
Abdulazeez appeared before Justice Godwin Iheabunke on Wednesday after the court had previously ordered her arrest for failing to appear for her plea hearing.
Details of the Alleged Scam
According to the ICPC, Abdulazeez, who worked at the Court of Appeal from 2018 until her dismissal in 2023, allegedly defrauded eight job seekers of N9.2 million between September 2022 and July 2023.
The Commission's investigation revealed that she promised her victims non-existent employment opportunities at prestigious federal institutions including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Her dismissal from the Court of Appeal in 2023 was reportedly due to her involvement in racketeering and auction fraud.
Charges and Court Proceedings
One of the counts against Abdulazeez states that she "with intent to defraud did obtain by false pretence the sum of N9,200,000 (Nine Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only from Musa Mohammed Maude and his other friends including Sule Sadanu, Haruna Idris Lokos, Yusuf Musa, Mahmud Jibrin, Adama Mohammed Maude, Shuaibu Musa, Ahmed Sunusi and Aliyu Ahmed."
The funds were allegedly paid into her Access Bank account (1496346113) under the guise of securing employment for the victims at the aforementioned federal agencies.
The offense is contrary to section 1(1)(a) and punishable under section 1(3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.
When the two-count charge was read to her, Abdulazeez pleaded not guilty.
Bail Conditions and Next Hearing
Following her not guilty plea, ICPC counsel Mr. Hamza Sani requested the court to maintain the previously scheduled date of June 13, 2025, to allow the prosecution to present its witnesses.
Justice Iheabunke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must have landed property within the court's jurisdiction and deposit the title documents with the court Registrar for verification.
Additionally, the defendant must formally notify the court in writing if she intends to travel.
The case has been adjourned to June 20, 2025, for the prosecution to assemble all witnesses, with the court vacating the previously scheduled date as agreed by counsel.
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